Lassen Volcanic · December
Lassen Volcanic in December
December is one of the best times to visit Lassen Volcanic — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 7% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 40°F
- Avg low
- 22°F
- Precipitation
- 6.5"
- Sunrise
- 7:22 AM
- Sunset
- 4:39 PM
- Daylight
- 9.3h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, MANZANITA LAKE, CA US
What's open
Lassen Volcanic in December: access
The park is always open. Road access is limited during the winter season, approximately November through May, due to snow.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Road to Juniper Lake Closed for Repairs
Road to Juniper Lake is closed to vehicle access due to needed repairs. Road leading to Juniper Lake sustained significant damage outside of the park with no ETA for repair.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Visitor Phone Line Intermittent
You may experience problems reaching park staff via the main visitor phone line which functions intermittently. You may email the park at lavo_information@nps.gov with general park questions.
- Park Closure
Road to Juniper Lake Closed for Repairs
Road to Juniper Lake is closed to vehicle access due to needed repairs. Road leading to Juniper Lake sustained significant damage outside of the park with no ETA for repair.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Lassen National Park Highway Open for the 2026 Season
The Lassen National Park Highway (Hwy. 89, 30 miles through the park) opened to through traffic on May 22, 2026. Google maps and other third-party sites may be indicating the road is closed. This does not reflect accurate information.
- Information
EV charging station unavailable
The Electric Vehicle charging station is non-functional. There is no timeline for when it may become available. Please plan accordingly.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Hazardous Hiking Conditions on Lassen Peak Trail
Use caution hiking over snow-covered sections on the Lassen Peak trail. Hikers are encouraged to use trekking poles and wear deep-tread hiking boots. Wearing boot spikes will add additional stability over snow-covered sections.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Lassen Volcanic crowds across the year
FAQ
Lassen Volcanic in December
How busy is Lassen Volcanic in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Lassen Volcanic National Park — about 7% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 6,922.
What is the weather like at Lassen Volcanic in December?
In December, Lassen Volcanic averages a high of 40°F and a low of 22°F, with about 6.5 inches of precipitation.